Trump's Overtures to Adversaries Stir Doubts Among US Allies
US allies are questioning American reliability as Trump courts adversaries and delays arms to Taiwan, prompting nuclear considerations in South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
Recent actions by President Donald Trump have raised concerns among US allies about the reliability of American security commitments, with some countries reportedly considering independent nuclear capabilities.
Last week, Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping with full state honors while a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan remains stalled. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an invitation for Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G-20 summit in Florida in December. Trump also expressed interest in purchasing potash from Belarus, a close Russian ally, instead of Canada.
European Union officials were caught off guard when Trump said he would support a US ban on diesel exports, despite having previously urged Europe to buy more and threatened tariffs. Although cabinet secretaries apparently dissuaded him, the message to Brussels was that Europe cannot rely on US diesel deliveries.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Trump signed a deal with Denmark and Greenland granting expanded US security rights over the Arctic island—similar to the status quo before he threatened annexation in January, which prompted European troops to defend the territory.
Regarding Taiwan, Trump made no concessions during Xi's visit, but the arms delay continues, fueling anxieties in Taipei about US defense commitments. South Korea was blindsided in August when Trump ordered a reduction in joint military exercises, saying they sent a hostile message to Pyongyang. Polls show nearly 70 percent of South Koreans now support building an independent nuclear arsenal.
Saudi Arabia is also weighing nuclear options after Trump refused a request from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to strike Houthi targets in Yemen. The US intelligence community assesses that Riyadh has not ruled out a nuclear weapons program. Last month, Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense agreement with Pakistan and Turkey.
Meanwhile, the main outcome of Xi's visit appears to be a two-month extension of a trade truce until January 10. China continues to expand its nuclear arsenal and provide economic support to Tehran.
Analysts note that while burden-sharing among allies is desirable, creating doubt about US staying power could undermine credibility and leave America more isolated.